The EU is a failed project.

Thought so for years.

Strange the Commission repeatedly passes up opportunities for fundamental reform.

I don't know how many great minds have recommended steps must be taken towards fiscal and banking union, yet it's never been anywhere near their agenda.

Agreed, but I believe the sales column of the consolidated accounts of, say, BAE count as exports in the balance of payments of UK plc, so paying for the privilege of selling to an almost certain customer doesn’t make much sense to me.

Is it not highly likely given UK specialism in defence that the typical EU "ways and means" to include UK in their much needed defence expansion will be found irrespective of formal agreement on inclusion in the scheme?

Since the UK has so many high quality defence suppliers - indeed the sector is one of our specialities - it's highly likely the EU will buy from UK Companies without officially joining the €150bn scheme, although I concede it would be better if UK did join in - it's just not essential.

The Turin Scheme introduced by UK to replace Erasmus after Brexit is widely regarded as better than Erasmus not least because it's not limited to "just" EU Unis. UK taxpayer is already funding that, so the question is if UK resubscribes to Erasmus what is the additional cost if anything?

Pears 🤣

I used to think it fun to write my shopping list with the first letter missing, like:
- ilk
- utter
- range uice
- eanut utter
- read
- ears

I may be sadder than you, although I now leave such matters to my dearest.

Tell that to the judge.

You'll be ok. Nobody would ever believe you've murdered your bf after only one week.

I almost rewrote your sentence to fluffy boyfriend giving cold feet hugs, but that would have been rude to slippers. I mean it'll soon be winter so priorities.

Best news of my day.

The West would be somewhat less prejudiced against China if:

- it hadn't committed Human Rights offences against the Uighurs;
- Were not threatening Taiwan;
- Fulfilled its obligations concerning democracy in Hong Kong;
- Were not supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine militarily.

Less naivety?

It should be in The Hague, next door to the International Criminal Court. If nothing else, it'll save on air miles bringing corrupt leaders to court.

The clue is in "secured", but the inaccuracy is pretending that a promise to invest is equal to "delivery".
Whatever your views are about the "Modern Industrial Strategy", it can only be in the "delivery" phase *after* the investment not while it's at best a pipedream.

Muppet.

If I could be permitted to rephrase your sentence ....

Unless the EU adopts different governance structures it has no future as an economic or military bloc.

Reform or die.

Also the perfect rationale for not having EU membership ... unless it reforms.

It's overdue.

For "policy pitfall" I read "policy failure".
As your main post sets out there's no comprehensive thought going on as to how to create workable solutions. Just knee jerk reactions to bad polling.
And even those aren't based in understanding what's actually happening in the country.

You're on pints of Guinness? Go you!

Depends how you like your soul. Aretha Franklin? James Brown? Stevie Wonder?

This is usually achieved with incentives offered to MNCs by central and/or local governments. Tax breaks across the board can be on the table.

Happens everywhere - US, France, Italy and especially China (or used to). Was common too in UK in 1960s and 70s focused on Wales and Scotland.